I know, I know, this may be a stupid question but I am going to ask it because I do not know the answer.

I usually do all the maint. and repair on all my cars but I am scratching my head on this one. My 2008 Pat is ready to have the coolant removed and replaced with new. I have all the correct fluids to put back in it as required in the owners manual.

The problem is that I am having an issue finding the drain plug for the radiator. Usually they are located on the bottom of the radiator but I cannot seem to find it. I have removed the large plastic cover from the bottom of the Pat to allow me to see up in there but I cannot find the plug. Can someone give me a hand and let me know if I am just blind or exactly where it is located? Thanks in advance.

I think you just have to pull the lower radiator hose to drain it. I've noticed more and more OEM radiators don't have a drain plug. I guess it's a cost savings thing. My wife's GMC has the drain plug bung, but it has a plastic plug glued into it, flush, no handles or anything.

There is a drain plug, I used it to drain the rad for installing the oil cooler kit. It is on the far passenger side of the rad (left side), and not readily accessible. I removed the bumper cover in order to access it. Maybe it can be done without removing the bumper cover, but it is really not difficult to remove, and after that emptying the rad is a breeze...

There is a drain plug, I used it to drain the rad for installing the oil cooler kit. It is on the far passenger side of the rad (left side), and not hid headlights readily accessible. I removed the bumper cover in order to access it. Maybe it can be done without removing the bumper cover, but it is really not difficult to remove, and after that emptying the rad is a breeze...

Your coolant fluid might retain it's antifreeze properties for a long time, but the anti-corrosive properties only last 2-3 years. So your coolant might not freeze, but you might end up losing the heater core or the radiator due to rust. So even if you have it tested, and it's still good to -50 F, you still might want to change it to prevent the parts in the system from rusting.

OK, just finished the required five year drain and refill of the radiator. After spending hours underneath it - removed plastic "skid plate" and all lower fasteners from the bumper cover, I came to the conclusion that this is truly a stupid design.

I could get the drain plug turned through about 30 degrees, but not enough to get flow. Knowing how these Chrysler plugs love to break the guide ears off, I decided to take another tack.

Remove battery and battery tray. Remove lower hose and then radiator cap. Remove heater supply hose from back of engine block. Using air regulated to 40#, carefully blow all coolant onto your garage floor. Using rag and air pressure, blow out the remaining coolant through the radiator cap connection. Reconnect all hoses. Use turkey baster to remove all coolant from overflow tank. Refill using 50/50 mix of G05 and distilled water. While Patriot is warming up out on the garage apron, use hose to dilute/spread spilled coolant into yard. Top off coolant once the thermostat opens. While floor is drying, consume yet another cold beer. Replace Patriot in second bay of garage, install radiator cap, then bring your truck into first bay for A/C blower removal/replacement. When wife is getting into her car (3rd bay) and asks what all of the water is from, explain that the garage floor was "dirty" and "needed to be hosed off". Enjoy more beer.